Joseph Windmills

Joseph Windmills (c.1640 – 1724), was an eminent London watch- and clockmaker who, with his son Thomas, produced outstanding timepieces between 1671 and 1737.

His son Thomas completed his apprenticeship, subsequently working as a journeyman, and free of the Clockmakers' Company in about 1695.

His earliest watch, displayed in the British Museum, was made before 1680 and did not make use of a balance spring.

Thomas Tompion's sprung balance transformed the pocket watch from ornamental item into an accurate timepiece.

Joseph's last recorded attendance at the Court of the Clockmakers' Company was on 24 October 1723, ending a membership of more than thirty-two years.